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Fonterra has announced its intention to move forward with the sale process for its global consumer business, alongside its integrated operations in Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.

This decision follows a strategic review aimed at refocusing the company on its core strengths in dairy ingredients and foodservice.

CEO Miles Hurrell said that the cooperative has engaged advisors to explore potential divestment pathways, including both trade sales and initial public offerings. “Since our announcement in May 2024, we have been working diligently to assess our options and determine the best approach to maximise value for our Co-op,” he commented.

Fonterra’s global consumer business encompasses a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including Anchor, Mainland and Perfect Italiano. These brands accounted for approximately 19% of the cooperative's operating earnings in the first half of FY24, using around 15% of its total milk solids.

Despite this contribution, Hurrell noted that ownership of these consumer-facing businesses is not essential for fulfilling Fonterra’s primary role of collecting and processing milk.

The decision to divest aligns with Fonterra's revised strategic direction, which prioritises high-value dairy ingredients and a stronger focus on B2B operations. “We believe we can create more value by concentrating on our ingredients and foodservice channels,” Hurrell explained.

This shift aims to enhance relationships with farmers and strategic customers, while also allowing for further investment in innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Chairman Peter McBride said that the strategic review reinforced the importance of aligning Fonterra’s operations with its core competencies. “Working alongside farmers to ensure a sustainable supply of milk and efficiently manufacturing products that deliver strong returns is our priority,” he added.

The divestment process has already attracted significant interest from potential buyers, reflecting the strength and market potential of the businesses in question. Fonterra plans to rigorously evaluate both trade sales and IPO options to determine which pathway will yield the highest long-term value for its farmer shareholders.

As the global dairy market evolves, Fonterra’s move to streamline its operations may position the cooperative more effectively within the competitive landscape.

The company has indicated that it will keep stakeholders informed as the divestment process progresses, with the goal of providing a substantial capital return to its farmer shareholders once the sale is finalised.

This realignment comes at a time when many dairy companies are reassessing their business models in response to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. Fonterra’s focus on high-value ingredients and foodservice aligns with broader industry trends that favour B2B relationships and innovative product offerings.

Read more about the Fonterra Oceania merger here.

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